Legislative Update 3.12

March 12, 2025




 

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Greetings Community!

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. 

H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities. Please see more on this issue below, as well as other news, alerts, updates, and resources that may be of help or interest to you.

As always, if I can ever be of any help, please feel free to contact my office at (860) 240-8585 or by emailing me directly.

Sincerely,

Treneé McGee




 
Around the Capitol
 
Priority Bill 5003 Childhood Care and Education Fund

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year and signed by the Governor, establishing the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending. I had an opportunity to speak on the topic at a press conference last week.

 

Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce.

This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.
 
Done Deal: $40 Million in Funding for Special Education 

Governor Lamont and the legislature have agreed on $40 million in much-needed special education funding for schools across the state.

The projected entitlement for West Haven is $2,993,742, an increase of $555,064. For me, it's about investing in our students, not dismantling their future. I was proud to vote for this immediate relief.
 
Assistance for Displaced Federal Workers

If you live in Connecticut and were fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know we are here for you. 

Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers in the state are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.

Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
 
Need Your Immunization Record?

Need your immunization record? Get it online from the CT WiZ Public Portal! CT WiZ is Connecticut's secure Immunization Information System, making it easy to access and manage your vaccination record anytime, anywhere.

Please click on the image below to access your immunization record.
 
Beware: CT State Police Scam

The Central District Major Crime (CDMC) Headquarters has received multiple reports from Connecticut residents about phone calls from unknown male callers claiming to be members of the Connecticut State Police (CSP) or the U.S. Marshal Services.

The scammers, who speak with a thick accent, tell the victims they are under investigation for “money laundering” and request personal information over the phone. The calls appear to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the CDMC main landline.

These calls are not made by CDMC and are believed to be a scam attempt.

While these scam attempts are being investigated, we want to inform the public that these calls are NOT from the Connecticut State Police. Please note that Troopers and Law Enforcement Agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone.

If you receive a call that claims to be from the police or any other government agency, DO NOT provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and verify the call by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number. If the call seems suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911.
 
Free Resources to File Your Taxes

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VITA:

  • Household income less than $68,000
  • If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
  • No income from a rental property

You can find your nearest location by clicking on the image below.

Book your appointment HERE. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes!
 
March is Women's History Month

Since last year, the number of women in the Connecticut State Legislature has dropped more than 3%.
 
If women make up about half of the population, doesn’t it make sense that they should have an equal voice in decisions that affect their lives? We cannot continue in the wrong direction.
 
Women bring different perspectives, priorities, and experiences to governance. Diverse leadership and representation lead to more well-rounded policies, which reflect the needs of the entire community and strengthen democracy.

 

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